The BMW iX1 eDrive20 exudes a confidence that belies its Cat A COE credentials
Singapore - At the moment, we reckon the best EV as a daily runabout is a simple one, well, that is unless it's the firecracker Ioniq 5 N you're talking about, in which case, yes please!
At S$260,888 (correct at time of writing), the all-electric iX1 eDrive20 is BMW's Cat A premium compact Sport Activity Vehicle (or SAV for short) contender.
See also: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – our pick for an engaging electric driving machine in the sub-S$400k segment
While it may be simple, the (U11) iX1 eDrive20 is anything but basic, especially as it will confidently serve daily-drive duty for friends, family and work associates alike.
Class acts like the iX1 eschew the “know-who-I-am” histrionics and dramatics with BMW’s rock-solid credentials and fuss-free electric motoring – all in a smartly-cut package, but particularly due to the test-car’s fetching San Remo Green colour.
See also: Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Drive Review : Minimalist Cheek
Compared to some of BMW’s recent offerings further up the size (and price) hierarchy, the iX1 is well-proportioned, stylishly chunky without being overly rugged and sophisticated without being too elegant.
Best of all, the brand’s ubiquitous kidney grille (as an EV, it’s more of a design motif on the iX1 than a functional grille) is tastefully upright and neither too big nor too small for the iX1’s size.
The iX1 features a tautly-finished cabin that is well-appointed with a comprehensive range of equipment as standard, including BMW Maps, Parking Assistant including Reverse Assist Camera and modern driver assistance systems.
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It runs BMW's latest OS9 and features the new iDrive with "QuickSelect" (functions can be accessed directly without recourse to sub-menus), with BMW Curved Display – which consists of a 10.25-inch Information Display and 10.7-inch Control Display – serving as the hub of the display and control system.
With a modest 147hp and 250Nm, the iX1's drive is languid and leisurely, which lets you holistically join the ebb and flow of urban traffic – great for when you're seeking refuge from the stresses of daily drive drudgery.
It certainly isn't one of those middling, highly-strung performance EVs engineered to go fast in a straight-line, but leave you tired, drained and yet ultimately unfulfilled at the end of every drive.
With its instant hit of electric torque, the iX1 eDrive20 musters sufficient verve as an intrepid city commuter that copes admirably with the cut-thrust of city traffic.
If anything, it proves to be a sanguine companion for one's daily excursions into the concrete jungle.
It features a goodly range (>450km WLTP), pliant ride quality, and is both posh and practical, with a commodious space for a full complement of adults and its associated barang-barang.
At this price point, the iX1 eDrive20 may not be the cheapest EV out there, but to some buyers, "cheap" is overrated, especially since when all is said and done, the iX1 is still a BMW and features all the familiar traits that comes with the pedigree.
BMW iX1 eDrive20
Electric Motor 64.8kWh, 286V, Li-Ion
Power 147hp
Torque 250Nm
Transmission Single-speed
0-100km/h 10.5secs
Top Speed 170km/h
Range (WLTP) est. 470km
